Paper-feeder.



L. HscHR.

PAPER FEEDER.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 16. 1914.

L'. Patented July 27, 1915.

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54 lmrl n .I

Tia; l.

L. FISCHER.

PAPER FEEDER.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. I6. I9I4.

LMIWSI Patented July 27, 1915.

4I SHEETS-SHEET 2.

IIE- E II 37 50/ I 4 27a IV il f7 i' :E LEI- E L. FISCHER.

PAPER FEEDER.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. I6. 1914. L Mw Patented July 27, 19m.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

L. FISCHER.

PAPER FEEDER.

APPucATloN FILED FEB. I6. 1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

'tr' sans Ramnnr LOUIs rIscHRR, or RHILADRLPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, AssIeNoR 'ro RICHARD H. WRIGHT, or DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA.

PJPERfFEEDER.

Maaate.

Specification of Letters Patent.

i Application led February 16, 1914. Serial No. 819,048.

To all whom it may concern."

Be it known that l, LOUIS FISCHER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful improvements in Paper-Feeders, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to improvements in devices for feeding labels, stamps, coupons or the like having the form of stripsor sheets of paper, and the object of the invention is to provide an improved device of this kind which is simple and inexpensive and is capable` of operating rapidly and with certainty to feed the strips one at a time from a stack, the mode of operation being such that strips of different materials or having surfaces of different finishes or characteristics can be handled successfully.

Further objects are to provide a magazine to hold a stack or pile of the strips having an adjustable throat. or gate to accommodate `it to strips of different thicknesses, and to provide means for interchangeably and adjustably applying magazines to hold strips of different sizes.

To these and other ends, the invention consists incertain improvements, and combinations and arrangements of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out particularly in the claims at the end of the specification. v

In the accompanying drawings z-Figure` 1 ris an elevation of a feeding device constructed in accordance with the present in# vention; Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the de vice shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 represents a vertical section through the magazine on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2'; Fig. 4 represents a transverse vertical section through the magazine and the feeding device; Fig. 5 is a sectional view ofthe magazine showing the adjustments for positioning the samein cooperative relation with the feeding device; Fig. 6 represents a horizontal section through the magazine and its adjustable support.

Similar parts are designated by the same reference characters in the several views.

The present invention provides means for feeding, one at a time, labels, coupons, tick ets or the like having the form of strips or sheets of paper.

One form of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawing and will be hereinafter described in detail, but it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to the particular construction shown as equivalent constructions Within the scope of the claims may be used, and modifications and changes may be made in order to. adapt the device to different uses.

In the present instance, the device embodies a stand or base 1 which may be secured or mounted on any machine or support. rlhe base or stand is provided with means for mounting a magazine 2 thereon, the magazine serving to'hold and position a stack or pile of labels or the like in cooperative relation with the feeding means. Preferably, and as shown, means is provided to accommodate any one of a plurality of magazines adapted to hold strips of different dimensions, such means being adjustable in order that the stack or pile of strips will be positioned properly with respect to the feeding means and in order that strips of different lengths may be fed properly by the same feeding means. In the vconstruction shown, a slide 3 is fixed to the rear wall 4 of the magazine, this slide being movable vertically in a guiding groove 5 formed in the slide 6. The slide 6 is provided with a horizontal guiding groove 7 in which a' head 8 on the frame 1 engages whereby the slide 6 may be shifted horizontally with respect to f said frame. An adjusting screw 9 1s provided for the purpose of e'ecting vertical adjustment between the slide 3 and the slide 6, and an adjusting screw 10 is providedto eiiect` horizontal adjustment between the slide 6 and the stationary head 8. The magazine after being adjustedboth horizontally and vertically is fixedrmly by a bolt 11 which extends through the wall 4 of the magazine, the slide 3 fixed thereto, and vertical and horizontal slots 12 and 13 formed respectively in the slide 6 and the head 8. The magazine has a bottom plate 14 which serves to support the stack or pile of "strips therein. This bottom plate is formed with a slot 15 extending longitudinali thereof, this slot eapoang the under ai e of the lowermost strip in the stack to the action of the feeding means. The forward wall 16 of the magazine has an aperture 17 through which the strips are fed successively from the stack. In'order .to adapt the magazine to the feeding of strips of different thicknesses, a vertically adjustable throat plate or gate v18 is provided the lower edge of which is adapted to occupy a position at the forward end of the pile of strips and should be spaced above the bottom. plate 14 a distance suflicient to permit the passage of the strips one at a time and to retain the remainder of the stack in proper position.

In the construction shown, a screw 19 is provided for adjusting the throat plate 18 vertically, this screw being revoluble in a lug 20 fixed to the throat plate and threaded in a lug 21 fixed to the front wall.16 of the magazine.

A device is provided to insure the feeding of a single sheet at each operation, this device, as shown, embodying a clamp 22,the head of which preferably has a ball and socket or equivalent universal joint upon its stem as shown and projects through one side wall of the magazine and toward the rear thereof, the head of the clamp bearing against the sheets or strips and thereby clamping the edges of the lower portlons of the stack, the universal mounting of the clamping head enabling-it to accommodate itself to the disposition of the edges of the sheet in the stack. This clamp in the construction shown v is adapted to be pressed against the edges of the sheets at one side of the stack by a compression spring 23 contained preferably in the chamber of a bracket 24, the latter secured to the respective side of the magazine. The clamp presses against the edges of the lower pori tion of the stack during the feeding of the lowermost sheet from the bottom of the stack, and as soon as this feeding operation has been completed or the lowermost sheet has vbeen pulled out from the magazine, then the clamp releases the stack and allows it to drop to the bottom of the magazine whereupon the clamp will again engage the stack prior to the next feeding operation. In clamping a stack of thick paper or cardboard on the edges in the manner stated, the lowermost sheet will be loose enough to be withdrawn from the bottom of the stack and the grip of the clamp upon `the next sheet in the stack will prevent such sheet or any of such sheets above it from being fed out with the lowermost sheet. The face of this clamp is preferably serrated, toothed, or roughened, or provided with a rubber face to prevent the feeding of more than one` sheet at a time, especlally when thin sheets are being handled, and there is a similar coperating but stationary clamp member 22 to engage the opposite side of the pile. As shown, the engaging faces of the clamp member are toothed to form vertical knife edges. The means for operating the clamp as shown in the present instance embodies a cam 25 which may be fixed to the shaft 33, this cam coperating with a roller or projection on an arm 26, the latter `being mounted in the bracket 24, and an arm 27a is fixed to the shaft 27 and is operatively connected to the clamp 22, the cam 25 being so shaped that it will hold the clamp in released position except immediately prior to and during the feeding of a sheet from the bottom of the stack.

The means for feeding the strips successively from the stack or pile embodies, according to the present invention, a roller 28 which has an epicyclic motion which carries it to and from operative position with respect to the stack. The roller will feed the lowermost strip from the bottom of the stack and in revolving on its axis will change its point of engagement with the strip. The' roller 28 shown in the present instance is preferably composed of or covered with a peripheral band or tire 29 of rubber or other material which possesses a co-eflicient of friction that will prevent slippage between the roller and the strip While the latter is being fed from the magazine. The roller is fixed to a shaft 30, this shaft being journaled in a bearing 3l formed toward the outer end of a crank or arm 32.

This crank or arm 32 is fixed to a shaft 33 journaled in a bearing 34 formed on the pulley fixed to its outer end. Rotation of the shaft 33 will give the shaft 30 an epicyclic motion about the axis thereof in the following wayz-.The shaft 30 has a. pinion 35 fixed thereto and this pinion cooperates with a gear 36, the latter being fixed or stationary with respect to the frame 1. Consequently, the shaft 30 and the pinion 35 mounted thereon will partake of an epicyclic motion. The roller 28 is so located relatively to the magazine that during each epicyclic revolution about the shaft/33 the periphery of the roller 28 will pass upwardly through the slot 15 in the bottom plate of the magazine and press upwardly upon the under side of the lowermost strip therein. The lifting of the stack by the arc-shaped4 path of the roller 28 is resisted by a weight, with the result that sulicient friction is produced between the roller 28 and the under side of the lowermost stripv in the pile to feed this strip forward and through the aperture 17, the feeding of this strip being accomplished by the rotation of this roller upon its axis in the course of its epicyclic motion. The rotation of the roller 28 on its axis also causes the point of engagement of the roller with the strip to change toward Masera A the rear end of thel strip, while at the same time the point of pressure ofthe roller 28 in relation to the stack travels forward and in thus agitating the stack facilitates the separation of the lowermost strip or sheet.

In using a feeding device of this type for introducing coupons or the like into receptacles, it is preferable to provide means for directing the strips properly into the `receptacles. In the construction shown, a pair of rollers 37 and 38 are provided beyond the aperture 17 through which the strips are fed. rfhe roller 38 is revolubly mounted on` a part of the frame or base 1. The upper roller 37 which bears upon the stationary roller 38 is revoluble on an axis 39, the latter being so supported that thel roller 37 may move toward and from -the roller 38. In the construction shown, the shaft 39 of the roller 37 is journaled in an arm 40, this arm having a hub 41which is rotatable in a bearing concentric with a drive shaft 42.

The shaft 42 has a driving gear 43 fixed thereon, this driving gear coperating with a gear 44 fixed to the shaft 33. The shaft 39 of the roller 37 is driven from the gear 43 by the gear 45 which is fixed to the shaft 39 and by the idler or intermediate gear 46 which coperates with the gears 43 and 45. The roller 37 is pressed yieldably toward the roller 38 by a spring 47 which .acts upon an extension 48 of the arm 40. This arm is operated by a cam 49 whereby it is raised suiicientlyto permit the sheet or strip to pass between the rollers 37 and 38 whereupon the roller 37 `drops onto the lower roller 38 or upon the strip and thereby completes the feeding of the strip from the magazine. The gearing between the shaft 33 and the roller 37 is such that the peripheral speed, ofthe roller 37 equals the speed of movement of the strip as the latter is fed from the magazine. lBy using such an arrangement, certainty in the feed of the strip is insured and, moreover, the strips are always delivered at the same point, thus facilitating the operation of introducing coiupons or the like into receptacles, especially when the latter are positioned or advanced bv machinery. A Weight 50 is provided to 'bear upon the top of the stack or pile. Preferably and according to the construction shown, the Weight is lifted from the stack after the feeding rollerv or equivalent device 28 leaves the bottom of the stack and, therefore, the partly 'pulled out sheet will then be free to be pulled out completely by means of the feed rollers 37 and 38 or equivalent means after which the weight is again released and drops upon the stack as soon as the feeding roller 28 or its equivalent again comes into contact with the lowermost sheet in the stack. 1n the construction shown for accomplishing this purpose, the weight 50 is or stem 51 which projects through a guide 52 mounted on the top of the magazine. A

Y substantially horizontal bar 53 is provided provided on its lower end with a roller orl projection 57 arranged to coperate with a cam 58, the latter being fixed to the shaft 33.

In using an arrangement such as that just described, the screw 54 is adjusted to bring the bar 53 in horizontal position when the cam 58 presents its low portion to the roller 57, the stem 51 and Weight 50 being then free to descend. When the cam 58 revolves into a' position Where the high part thereon coperates with the roller 57 and elevates the rod 55, the bar. 53 is tilted and 'it then grips the stem 51 and elevates the weight, thus relieving the pressure of the weight upon the stack. As soon as the bar 53 returns to its substantially horizontal position, the stem 51 is released and the weight 5() is free to follow the stack and during this time the feed roller 28 or its equivalent cooperates with the bottom of the stack to withdraw a sheet therefrom.

l'n applying magazines containing strips of different lengths, correct feeding of the strip of any given length is accomplished by adjusting the magazine vertically or horizontally relatively to the feeding roller or in both of such directions as may be required, it being understood that by adjusting the magazine vertically relatively to the feeding roller the latter is caused to engage the strip for a longer or shorter portion of its length with 'a corresponding variation in the length of the feed.

l' claim as my invention v 1. A feeding device of the class described comprising means for holding a pile of f 2. A' sheet I feeding `device comprising y means for holding apile of sheets, and a cooperative feeding roller revoluble on its axis to feed sheets endwise'therefrom and having an epicyclic motion in the direction of feed of the sheets from the pile.

3. A sheet feeding. device comprising means for holding a pile of sheets, and a co operative feeding roller revoluble on its axis in the direction of feed and having an epicyclic motion in the direction .of revolution of the feeding roller.`

4. A sheet feeding device comprising means for holding a pile of sheets, a rotatable arm, a feeding roller carried by said arm to and from coperative relation with the bottom of the pile and operative to feed a .sheet endwise therefrom, and means for rotating said roller on its axis and imparting epicyclic motion thereto while in coperative relation with said pile and in the direction of feed of the lowermost sheet there` from.

5. A sheet feeding device comprising means for holding a pile of sheets, a rotatable arm, a feeding roller carried by said arm to and from coperative relation with the bottom of the pile to feed the lowermost sheet endwise therefrom, a pinion connected to said roller, and a relatively 'fixed gear cooperative with said pinion for rotating said roller in the direction of feed of the lowermost sheet from the pile during rotation of said arm in such direction. Y

6. In a sheet feeder, the combination with means for holding a pile of sheets, a feeding device coperative with the lowermost sheet of the vpile to withdraw the same therefrom, pressure means to bear on the top of the pile during the operation of the feeding device, and means for rendering said pressure means inoperative after said feeding means has withdrawn a sheet from the bottom thereof.

7. In a sheet feeder, the combination with means for holding a pile of sheets, a feeding device coperative with the lowermost sheet of the pile tolwithdraw the same therefrom,

ressure means to bear on the top of the, pile during the operation of the feeding device,'.

means 'operative to receive and complete the Withdrawal of such sheet, and means for rendering said pressure means operative during the operation of said feeding means and inoperative during the operation of the means which completes the withdrawal of the sheet.

8. A sheet feeding device comprising means for holding a pile ofsheets, and a friction roller revoluble on its axis and also i having an epicyclic motion in the direction of such revolution and coperative with the pile of sheets to feed the sheets successively therefrom. v

9. In a sheet feeder, the combination with 'a feeding device having an epieyclic motion, of a magazine to hold a' pile of sheets in cooperative relation with the'feeding device,

land means for adjustably supporting the horizontally in thedirection of feed rela tively to the epicyclic feeding device.

11.'.In a sheet feeder, the combination with a feeding device having an epicyclic feed roller, of a magazine to hold a pile of sheets in coperative relation with the feeding device, the magazine being adjustable horizontally in the direction of feed and vertically toward and from the epicyclic feed roller of the feeding device.

12. Ina sheet feeder, the combination with a feeding device, of a magazine to hold a pile of sheets in coperative relation with the feeding device, means for supporting theYV magazine for adjustment horizontally and vertically with respect to the feeding device embodying slides movable at right angles to oneanother, and means for securing said slides togethei` to maintain the desired adjustments.

13. In a sheet feeder, the combination with a hold'er for a. pile of sheets, of a feeding device operative to feed sheets successively from'the bottom of the pile, a roller having means for revolving at a peripheral speed corresponding to the rate of movement of the sheet as the same is removed from the pile by said feeding device, and means for automatically raising said roller to admit a sheet beneath it.

14. In a sheet feeder, the combination with a holder for a pile of sheets, of a feeding device operative to feed sheets successively from the bottom of the pile, a pair of rollers arranged to coperate with each sheet as the same is removed from the bottom of the pile, a pivoted arm carrying one of said rollers, means operative to lift said arm and the roller thereon to admit a. sheet beneath the latter, and means for driving the roller on said arm embodying a gear mounted concentrically with the axis of motion of said arm and operatively connected to the roller thereon.

15. A sheet feeder comprising a magazine to contain a pile of sheets, a feeding device coperative with the lowermost sheet of the pile to withdraw such sheet therefrom, and a clamp operative to press against a lateral edge of the sheets of the pile during operation of said feeding device to prevent Withdrawal of the sheets above the lowermost sheet.

16. A' sheet feeder comprising a magazine to contain a pile of sheets, a feeding device coperative with the lowermost sheet of the pile towithdraw such sheet therefrom, and a clamp operative to press against a lateral edge of the sheets of the pile during operation of said feeding device to prevent withdrawal of the sheets above the lowermost sheet and having means for relieving its pressure upon the pile upon completion of operation of the feeding device whereby the pile may descend in the magazine.

17. A sheet feeder comprising a holder for a pile of sheets, a device to coperate with the lovvermost sheet in the pile to Withdraw the same therefrom, coperative rollers arranged to receive'the sheet withdrawn by said device, and means for automatically separating said rollers to receive a sheet and permitting them to engage and grip the sheet to pull the same from the pile.

18. A sheet feeder comprising a magazine to contain a pile of sheets, a feeding device to coperate with the lowermost sheet of the pile to withdraw such sheet therefrom, and a clamp member having a serrated face to engage the edges of the sheets at the pile laterally of the direction of feed to prevent withdrawal of the sheets above the lowermost sheet.

19. A sheet feeder comprising a magazine to contain a pile of sheets, a feeding device to cooperate with the lowermost sheet of the pile to Withdraw such sheet therefrom, and

a pair of clamp members having serrated faces to engage opposite sides of the pile to prevent Withdrawal of the sheets above the lowermost sheet.

20. A sheet feeder comprising a magazine to contain a pile of sheets, a feeding device to coperate With the lowermost sheet of the pile to Withdraw such sheet therefrom, and a pair of clamp members movable relatively in a direction toward or from one another and arranged to engage opposite sides of the pile to prevent Withdrawal of the sheets above the lowermost sheet.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing Witnesses. e

LOUIS FISCHER. Witnesses:

ROSE Tomar, CATHERINE HoRAN. 

